Trimper Gallery Will Reopen in the Greenwich Art Scene Early 2024

Works by Kyle Andrew Szpyrka, Kenny Scharf, and Alex Katz at Trimper Gallery in Greenwich, CT.

Trimper Gallery Will Reopen in the Greenwich Art Scene Early 2024

by Benjamin Genocchio 

Incollect spoke with gallery owner and art dealer Alex Trimper 
about his plans for the new, expanded gallery space. 

How and why did you become a gallery owner and art dealer?

Becoming a gallerist is a path deeply rooted in my life from a very young age. My journey into the world of art and gallery ownership began with my mother, who was one of Connecticut's top corporate art dealers. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by art, and this exposure instilled in me a profound and enduring interest in the art world.

In 2008, my mother approached me with the idea of working together in the art dealing industry, and we embarked on our journey as art dealers. Over the years, we cultivated our expertise and passion for art. In early 2016, we took the significant step of opening our first retail gallery in Greenwich, marking a pivotal moment in our art-related endeavors.

A C-print on aluminum by British photographer Jimmy Nelson, and a trio of chalk drawings from Keith Haring’s Subway Series.

In March of 2023, I embarked on a new chapter in the same location where my mother and I had run the gallery together for eight years. This endeavor led to the establishment of the Trimper Gallery. The experience and knowledge I gained working alongside my mother, combined with my own passion for art, drove me to become a gallerist and to continue our legacy in the art world. The opening of Trimper Gallery is a testament to the enduring connection I have with the art community and my commitment to providing art experiences to our patrons.

What is the art scene like in Greenwich, and what is special about your gallery?

The art scene in Greenwich is relatively small but characterized by a wealthy and highly educated public. Among the limited number of high-end art galleries in the area, Trimper Gallery distinguishes itself not only through the caliber of artists we showcase but also our prime location. As one of the few galleries in the heart of the Greenwich Design District, we are surrounded by top interior designers, architects, and the most prestigious home furnishing stores, creating a dynamic environment for art and design clients.

Recent installations in client’s homes. Left: Peter Andrew Lusztyk, Astro, 2021, digital C-print. Right: Raphael Macek, Untitled, archival pigment print.

Trimper Gallery takes pride in offering visitors a carefully curated and constantly evolving portfolio of artists encompassing a wide range of styles, mediums, and budgets. This variety ensures that our gallery is not only accessible to seasoned collectors but also inviting to those taking their first steps into the art world. We believe this combination of a unique location and a diverse selection of artists contributes to our gallery's distinctiveness and appeal in the Greenwich art scene.

How would you describe what you show?

Our choices are guided by a combination of factors, including artistic merit, thematic relevance, market trends, and a personal connection with the artist. We scout for emerging and established artists across all mediums and genres. We attend art fairs, scour social media, and engage in dialogue with our clients to discover works that resonate with them. Artistic excellence is paramount, but the synergy of a piece with a particular exhibition's theme or the gallery's overarching narrative is also essential. Furthermore, considerations regarding the artist's reputation, potential market appeal, and overall impact the artwork can make on visitors are also part of our decision-making process. 

Fashion seems to be an inspiration for many of the artists you work with. Is that a coincidence, or does it reflect your taste and personal experience?

I have worked in various industries throughout my career, including the fashion world. Over the years I've developed a multifaceted appreciation for art that transcends boundaries. The diversity of my past roles, whether working with investment banks, in fashion or in the beauty industry has allowed me to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of the world around me. It's this extensive background that informs the gallery's selection process for artists, as I strive to curate a collection that not only resonates with my personal interests but also resonates with a wider audience, inviting them to explore the multifaceted beauty of art in all its forms.

David Burdeny, Elephant Mother and Calf II, Amboseli, Kenya, 2018, pigment print.

Photography plays an important part in your program — can you tell us about that?

Photography has been a lifelong passion of mine. I inherited it from my father who was an amateur documentarian, capturing the life of our family and our travels with both a camera and camcorder. After that, my personal journey with photography began in earnest during my junior and senior years of high school, where I learned to work in a darkroom, meticulously developing my own film and my own photographs. It's a medium that has consistently ignited my artistic spirit and served as an expressive language for me. Though I now pursue it only as a hobby, I find myself living vicariously (if I am being completely honest) through the extraordinary works of the artists we are privileged to represent at the gallery.

David Burdeny, Taganskaya Metro Station, Moscow, Russia, 2015, pigment print.

The gallery hires artists to work there, which is unusual. How did that come about? 

The decision to hire artists to work at the gallery was born out of a desire to foster a unique, immersive artistic environment. At the Trimper Gallery, you'll find a staff with a deep knowledge of art and art history who are deeply involved in the arts. While I can't paint or sculpt, I'm very passionate about photography and have spent most of my life working in one capacity or another in the industry. Remy Sosa, the gallery director, is an artist, and she brings a unique understanding of art, art history, and artistic techniques. We both guide and advise clients, helping them to gain a profound understanding of the art on display and the stories they tell.

This idea of having artists as part of our team emerged when we realized that artists, with their intimate knowledge of the art world and creative processes, could serve as a resource to patrons. Their insights into the art, techniques, and the broader art community provide a deeper context to exhibitions. Moreover, it offers the artists themselves a platform to connect with a broader audience.

Public and private installations of works in Italian stainless steel by Colombian sculptor Santiago Medina.

How, in a suburban community, do you generate interest in an art gallery?

To generate interest in our art gallery and artwork within the suburban communities in Connecticut and New York, we employ a strategic approach. We host intimate and private, invitation-only viewings. Once the renovations are complete and the gallery reopens its doors in 2024, these special gatherings will become a focal point of our engagement strategy. These exclusive events offer visitors the privileged opportunity to meet and speak with the artists, view their artworks in an intimate environment, and gain new insights into their creative processes.

You don't just display art at the gallery venue either; is that correct?

That is correct. In addition to traditional art viewing and purchasing, the Trimper Gallery will offer immersive experiences both on-site and at exclusive venues all over Fairfield County and Westchester. These curated and exclusive experiences make the journey of buying art not only educational but also a joy for the senses. For example, we plan on working with top chefs from all over the tri-state area who will create menus based on the artwork exhibited, and the same with the craft cocktails served at the events.

What is the secret to success as an art dealer — what do you think matters most, given all of your experience?

The secret to success as a dealer is personalization. At the Trimper Gallery, we personalize the art-buying experience for every client. From helping visitors select the perfect piece for them to offering a no-pressure environment that welcomes both first-time buyers and seasoned investors, we aim to guide buyers not just on what to buy but on how to frame and display the works they purchase in their homes. Every aspect of the buying process is tailored to individual preferences and budgets.

We also offer in-home consultations and numerous other services previously not available in Greenwich, all catered to the individual needs of each client and how they shop. This level of customization and attention to detail is what matters most in creating a successful and fulfilling art-buying experience, one that resonates with our patrons and keeps them coming back to the gallery. That is what I found.

Dmitri Wright, Bleu, 2018, from the Tidepools series, aquaessence on canvas.

What are your thoughts on art as an investment? 

It is an important reality today in the art world, and all serious art dealers have to embrace this fact. But it’s also something that, with the right guidance and help, is actually more accessible and affordable than ever before. I am excited to say also that we have now partnered with one of Greenwich’s top gallerists and advisors to create an unprecedented alliance, offering advisory services for discerning art investors. This partnership promises a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to access expert guidance and valuable insights into the world of art investment. 

You are also involved in supporting your community. Can you tell us about this?

The gallery has always had a side focus on a sense of social responsibility and on cultural enrichment for the town of Greenwich — we are more than just a gallery, offering a venue for local charity events and fundraisers and financially supporting charities and museums in our area and beyond. Trimper Gallery will also work with local institutions to bring new, unique, and exciting NYC-caliber museum exhibits to Greenwich. 

Trimper Gallery

40 West Putnam Avenue

Greenwich, CT 06830

Gallery: (203) 622-0500

Cell: (347) 558-6992

alex@trimpergallery.com

www.trimpergallery.com